Extraction and characterization of Cayratia pedata (lam.) gagnep fiber

Abstract

The quest for sustainability, renewability, manufacturing cost efficiency and environmental friendliness in composite science and technology is ongoing, due to numerous benefits. In this research, mature stems of the Cayratia pedata (lam.) gagnep plant were harvested, and their long fibers were extracted through water retting and comprehensively characterized as a potential reinforcement for polymer matrix composites (PMCs). The results showed that Cayratia pedata (lam.) gagnep fibers (CPGF) with a lower density of 1158.00 ± 52 kg/m³ supported fabrication of PMCs with less weight and high strengths. Hemicellulose and cellulose of 16.47 ± 3.26 and 65.21 ± 5.31 wt% were obtained from CPGF via chemical analysis, respectively. Its crystallinity index of 67.84% confirmed comparatively higher crystalline material. Fourier transform infrared analysis identified the different functional groups in CPGF. The thermal degradation analysis of CPGF demonstrated its suitability as a reinforcing material in PMCs up to a fabrication temperature of 250 °C. The higher kinetic activation energy of CPGF at 97.40 kJ/mol also established its improved thermal stability. The outer shell of the CPGF had debris and non-cellulosic materials, as examined through a scanning electron microscope. Due to impurities, lignin and hemicellulose, untreated fibers were smoother than desired. The mean tensile strength of CPGF was 424.40 ± 24.45 MPa. Weibull distribution was employed to statistically investigate the single CPGF tensile properties. In summary, it can be concluded that CPGF is a better alternative, sustainable, renewable, low-cost and environmentally friendly reinforcing material when compared extensively with several similar plant fibers.